40
internal components than traditional pins. Instead of wavy springs that can be susceptible to breaking, Safeload has internal compression springs which are more durable. The actuating springs are also internal and therefore not vulnerable to damage or corrosion.
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION “Our customers consistently report their complete satisfaction with the long-term reliability of the Safeload coupler,” says Euan Fisher, Fort Vale’s business development manager for petroleum products. “One client has over 150 couplers in daily service and has had zero maintenance issues after seven years’ constant heavy use.” Indeed, Scott Reiber, manager of Holly
Terminal in Spokane, Washington, is happy to go on the record, saying: “I have been in the industry for almost 20 years and working on loading racks for over 18 and I can honestly say that the Fort Vale coupler is the best API loading coupler we have ever used.” That level of customer satisfaction does
LIGHT AND EASY
TRANSFER • FORT VALE CONTINUES TO LEAD THE MARKET WITH PRODUCT INNOVATIONS IN COUPLINGS FOR SAFER AND MORE EFFICIENT PRODUCT TRANSFER
FORT VALE HAS introduced a new version of its established Safeload API coupler, fitted with an aluminium handle. This new design, says the company, reduces the mechanical effort required to open and close the poppet during service, making the Safeload API coupler easy and comfortable to operate, time after time. The aluminium handle is available across
the Safeload range, including semi-automatic, high pressure and manual versions. The coupler’s ergonomic design incorporates a grab handle, making it quicker and safer to
manoeuvre the coupler onto the tank adaptor, and a non-slip ball for extra safety during actuation. Fort Vale believes that its Safeload API
coupler offers terminals simple but effective design benefits that improve safety and keep maintenance requirements as low as possible. Extended triggers cover more than 60 per cent of the adaptor circumference, improving connection and reducing wear on the adaptor. In addition, a splined spindle offers greater engagement and strength to the handle and
not come without effort. Fort Vale, which is nearing 50 years in the business, has built its own third-party approved test facility at its UK manufacturing plant. Here, the Safeload semi-automatic API has been thoroughly tested in line with international standards and subjected to an endurance test programme of 250,000 cycles, which represents 10 times the number of cycles called for. Using a specially designed pneumatic
test rig, the coupler was connected, opened, pressurised with fluid for a set period of time, closed and then disconnected. A counter was affixed to the coupler to automatically record the number of connections. The amount of liquid loss was measured at regular intervals and was found to be, on average, 75 per cent below the permitted 5 cc. On completion, the coupler was found to be leak-free at the maximum allowable
ONGONG PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT HAS RESULTED IN A COUPLER THAT IS STURDIER AND EASIER TO USE
HCB MONTHLY | SEPTEMBER 2016
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